February 2012
Sports
College sports
Bicycling
Golf
Horse Sports
Motor sports
Runs and Walks
Golf
Leagues and Classes
Motor sports
Winter sports
Menu of this month's listings, stories and columns
Harlem Globetrotters — The famed wizards of basketball bring the 2012 World Tour to the area 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Pan Am Center, Las Cruces. Tickets: $20-$77 stands; $107 courtside. (Ticketmaster).
Since 1927, the Globetrotters have visited 115 countries and played before more than 100 million fans.
The outstanding rookies include Paul “Tiny” Sturgess, the world’s tallest pro basketball player at 7-8, Jonte “Too Tall” Hall, the shortest Globetrotter ever at 5-2, and Fatima “TNT” Maddox of Temple University, the team’s first female player since 1993 and ninth female in team history. The new Globetrotters also feature the top three finishers from the 2011 College Slam Dunk Contest, including the reigning champ Jacob “Hops” Tucker, slam dunk runner-up John “Jet” Williams of UNC-Asheville and semifinalist Darnell “Spider” Wilks of the University of Cincinnati.
Joining the rookies are Globetrotters stars Special K Daley, Big Easy Lofton, Flight Time Lang, Dizzy Grant, Scooter Christensen.
Tuff Hedeman Championship Bull Riding — Four-time World Champion Bull Rider and El Paso native Tuff Hedeman presents the World Championship bull riding event at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at the El Paso County Coliseum, 4100 Paisano. This event sells out every year. Tickets: $10-$75 (Ticketmaster). Military discount available. Information: 544-9000, 1-800-745-3000 or CBRbull.com.
El Paso Golden Gloves Tournament — The 70th annual showcase for regional amateur boxers is Feb. 17-19, at El Paso County Coliseum. Events begin at 7 p.m. Friday and 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Amateur boxers from throughout the region vie for titles in the Junior Olympic, Novice and Open Classes. Champions in the Open Class will represent El Paso at the state tournament in Fort Worth. Former regional titlists will be honored Sunday with a Parade of Champions. Tickets: $10 ($5 military, seniors, students). Information: Ladislao Vicencio, 203-0493.
El Paso Rhinos - El Paso’s Junior League ice hockey team home games are at the Sierra Providence Events Center, next to the Coliseum, 4100 E. Paisano. February game times are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $5 general admission; $10, $15 and $20 reserved. Information: 479-PUCK (7825) or elpasorhinos.com.
o Feb. 17-19 - Fort Worth Brahmas
o Feb. 24-26 - Dallas Ice Jets.
Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino — The 2011-2012 live horse racing season runs through April 17. Race days are Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. First post is 12:25 p.m. each race day. General admission is free to the track and casino. Turf Club seating is $7. Information: (575) 874-5200 or sunland-park.com.
Simulcast racing begins at 10 a.m. everyday. General admission and parking are free. Information: (575) 874-5200.
To get there, take the Sunland Park exit from I-10, go south (left turn coming from Downtown) and follow the signs.
Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam – The U.S. Hot Rod Monster Jam is 7 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 3-4, at Sun Bowl Stadium. Tickets: $10 (Ticketmaster). Information: monsterjam.com.
USHRA Monster Trucks include Grave Digger, Tasmanian Devil, El Toro Loco and others.
College sports
UTEP Men’s Basketball - Home games are at the Don Haskins Center. Game time is 7 p.m. Tickets: $14-$50 (Ticketmaster). Information: 747-5234 or utepathletics.com.
• Saturday, Feb. 4 — UAB
• Wednesday, Feb. 8 — Tulsa
• Saturday, Feb. 11 — Tulane
• Wednesday, Feb. 22 — Southern Miss
• Wednesday, Feb. 29 — Rice.
UTEP Women’s Basketball - Home games are in the Don Haskins Center. Tickets: $5 (Ticketmaster).Information: 747-5234 or utepathletics.com
• 2:05 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29 — UCF
• 7:05 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9 — Marshall
• 1:05 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12 — Tulane.
• 7:05 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23 — SMU
• 2:05 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26 — Rice.
NMSU Men’s Basketball — Home games are usually 7 p.m. (except as listed) at the Pan American Center in Las Cruces. Tickets: $7-$29. (Ticketmaster). Information: (575) 646-1447.
• Thursday, Jan. 26 — Nevada
• 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 28 — Fresno State
• Wednesday, Feb. 1 — Cal State Bakersfield
• Saturday, Feb. 4 — Louisiana Tech
• Tuesday, Feb. 14 — Northern New Mexico
• Thursday, Feb. 23 — Hawaii
• Saturday, Feb. 25 — San Jose State
The ESPNU Bracketbuster tournament is Saturday, Feb. 18.
NMSU Women’s Basketball — The Lady Aggies’ home games are at Pan Am Center in Las Cruces. Tickets: $5.(Ticketmaster) Information: (575) 646-1447.
• 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28 — Louisiana Tech.
• 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2 — Fresno State
• 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4 — Nevada.
• 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16 — Hawaii
• 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18 — San Jose State.
UTEP Tennis — UTEP’s home tennis matches are at El Paso Tennis Club, 2510 N. St. Vrain (in Arroyo Park). Matches start at 1 p.m. (9 a.m. Saturday matches), unless otherwise listed. Admission is free. Information: 747-5347 or utepathletics.com.
• Friday, Feb. 3 — Northern Arizona
• Saturday, Feb. 4 — Air Force
• Friday, Feb. 24 — UT-Permian Basin
• Thursday, March 1 — New Mexico
• Friday, March 2 — Idaho
• Saturday, March 10 — Lamar
• Wednesday, March 14 — New Mexico State
• Friday, March 30 — Abilene Christian.
UTEP Softball — The women Miners softball team hosts home games at UTEP’s Helen of Troy Complex. Information: 747-5347 or utepathletics.com.
• 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9 - Santa Clara
• 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 12 - Indiana (Hotel Encanto Tournament game)
• Noon, Sunday, Feb. 12 - Santa Clara (Hotel Encanto Tournament game)
• 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21 - New Mexico State University.
NMSU Men’s Baseball — The Aggies’ home games are at Presley Askew Complex, Locust and Stewart, Las Cruces. February game times are 4:05 p.m. Friday, 2:05 and 6:05 p.m. (doubleheader) Saturday and 2:05 p.m. Sunday. Information: (575) 646-4126 or nmstatesports.com.
• Feb. 17-19 — Wake Forest
• Feb. 24-26 — Sacred Heart
An exhibition game vs. NMSU alumni is 2:05 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11.
NMSU Women’s Softball — The team’s first home game is against UTEP at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14, at Presley Askey Complex, Locust and Stewart, Las Cruces. Information: (575) 646-4126 or nmstatesports.com.
The Hotel Encanto Invitational is Feb. 10-12, with invited teams UTEP, Santa Clara, St. Mary’s, UIC and Indiana. Games begin at 9 a.m. Friday and Saturday and 9:30 a.m. Sunday.
The Troy Cox Classic is Feb. 17-19 with teams Colorado State, Stephen F. Austin, Weber State and Nebraska. Games begin at 9:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m. Sunday.
The Aggies take on UTEP Softball at Helen of Troy Field at UTEP at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21.
Tejanos baseball - The Tejanos of El Paso Community College play home games at the Valle Verde Campus Baseball Field. (doubleheaders). Admission is free. Information: 831-2275.
• Jan. 27-29 vs. Scottsdale CC. Game time is 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. Sunday
• Noon, Tuesday, Feb. 7, vs. Eastern Arizona
Tejanas softball — The EPCC Tejanas’ home games are at the Valle Verde Softball Field. First home games are doubleheaders 11 a.m. Friday and 1 p.m. Saturday March 2-3 against Odessa. Admission is free. Information: 831-2275. Softball office: 831-2367.
Bicycling
El Paso Bicycle Club - Club events are open to the public; helmets required. Information: elpasobicycleclub.com.
• 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28 - Artcraft/La Union Loop Ride. Meet at Susan’s house, 5616 Wales (Artcraft to McNutt, turn left and Wales will be left off McNutt). Ride to border crossing and back down Artcraft to La Union and return to Susan’s house for refreshments. 30 Miles, moderate pace. Terry Campbell (497-0882) and Susan Record
• 9 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 29 - La Union/Roller Loop Ride. Meet at Starview Coffee Nuthouse (Hwy 28 at Vinton Road) to ride valley roads to La Mesa and back on rollers to Vinton. 30 miles, moderate pace. Chuck Turner, 204-4831
• 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 4 — Tour de La Mesa. Meet at parking lot across from Eagle Grocery on Hwy 28 in La Mesa. Interesting loop to Vado, a small scenic climb up the east mesa and down to the rollers to Cruces and back on Highway 28. 40 miles, moderate pace. Linda Price 915-433-4188.
• 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 5 — Super Bowl Warm Up. Meet at Crazy Cat Cyclery, Redd Road at I-10. Ride out the rollers and up Anthony Gap and back on the rollers. 30 miles, moderate pace. Charlie Gallarzo, 915-241-3373.
• 8 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11 — Pick Your Distance to Hatch. Choose your distance to Hatch, N.M. at a moderate, talk-friendly pace. Options for round trips of 104, 80, and 43 miles. The 104-milers leave La Mesa at 8 a.m. and arrive at The Bean at 8:45. The 80-milers depart from The Bean at 9 a.m. and arrive at Fort Selden at 10:15 a.m. The 43-milers leave Fort Selden at 10:30 a.m. Destination is Sparky’s in Hatch for their famous green chile cheeseburger. Bring a driver’s license or other ID for Border Patrol station on NM 185. Those departing from Mesilla should park at the municipal lot south of The Bean. Jess Waller, 575-496-1682
• 9 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 12 – Artcraft/La Union Loop Ride. Meet at Rio Plaza (Artcraft and Upper Valley). Ride up Artcraft to Santa Teresa Border Crossing and on to La Union via McNutt, Alvarez and Mercantil then back on 28. Moderate pace, 32 miles. Dan Cavazos, 915-422-0172.
• 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18 — Time To Climb. Meet at Rio Plaza and ride to Vinton and up to rollers to Transmountain summit – back down to Tom Mays Park, then rollers to Vinton and back via the Valley. 25 miles, moderate to fast pace. Randy Limbird, 915-328-4110.
• 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 19 — Rollers and Beyond. Leave from Crazy Cat on Redd Rd. and ride rollers to Vado. Take the scenic, short climb from there up the east mesa and back on rollers. 40 miles, moderate pace. Rick Rivas, 915-867-7199.
• 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 25 — La Union/Border Loop. Start at Starview Coffeehouse in La Union (NM 28 at Vinton Rd). Take Mercantil, Alvarez and McNutt to Artcraft and border crossing, return same route. 30 miles, moderate pace. Sylvia Mejia 915-740-9033.
• 9 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 26 — EP Cyclists Eastside Ride. Meet EP Cyclists at the McDonald’s (Loop 375 and Edgemere) to ride Montana to Border Patrol checkpoint and back. Nice climb with a rewarding downhill return. 45 miles, moderate pace. Manuel Valadez, 915-861-2311.
Golf
Horse Sports
Motor sports
Recreational Sports
Las Cruces Ciclovia — The first free monthly public fitness event of 2012 is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29, and Feb. 26, at Young Park, intersections of Walnut and Lohman. Activities include Hula Hoops, gunny sack races, jump roping, dancing, volleyball, parachute games and more for all ages. Bikes and skates welcome. Information: (575) June Donohue, 522-0289.
Las Cruces spring swim lessons — The City of Las Cruces Parks & Recreation Department is taking applications for the spring swim lessons Feb. 7-March 1 for groups and March 27-April 28 for private lessons. Registration forms available Regional Aquatic Center, 1401 E. Hadley; selection done by a lottery process if enrollment reaches capacity level. Selection of a first come, first serve basis through Feb. 3. Information: (575) 541-2782.
Lessons will be for the parent/child level (six months to three years old), preschool level (three to five years old), beginner levels 1 & 2 and intermediate levels 3 & 4, (all for children five years of age and older). Participation in the intermediate levels evaluated during a free levels assessment during the application process.
Spring Volleyball Leagues — City of El Paso Parks and Recreation Department and NCAA Rules hosts 2012 spring volleyball leagues Tuesdays and Fridays, Feb. 6-April 13, at Westside, Eastside and Northeast city sports centers for both youth and adults. Ten games including double elimination playoffs. Registration deadline is Feb. 3. Co-ed adult league cost is $275 per team and Youth Club Volleyball is $220 per team. Please bring exact change. Information: 757-2743 or elpasotexas.gov/parks.
Indoor Soccer Tournament — The Fort Bliss indoor tournament Feb. 4-5, at Biggs Gym, open to both military and from the surrounding community. Each team guaranteed three games; group play into single elimination bracket format. Trophies for top two teams. Registration (through Jan. 31): $200 per team. Information/registration: 241-4382 or hermann.j.groombridge.mil@mail.mil.
Gymnastics and Cheerleading classes — City of Las Cruces Parks and Recreation Department’s spring sessions for gymnastic and cheerleading classes for boys and girls run Tuesdays and Thursdays Feb. 21-March 15 (session 1) and April 10-May 3 (session 2), at Henry Benavidez Community Center, 1045 McClure Road. Gymnastic classes lasses begin at 4 p.m. for age 3-5 and 5 p.m. for age 6-8. Cheerleading for age 5-10 begins at 6 p.m. Parents of children age 6 and younger must be present during class.
Register at Meerscheidt Recreation Center, 1600 E. Hadley. Cost: $30 per child. Information: (575) 541-2182.
Las Cruces Parks & Rec Zumba — Session III of the City of Las Cruces Parks and Recreation Department offers its popular Zumba classes at various recreation centers. Cost: $2 per class. Information: (575) 541-2550.
Locations:
• Munson Senior Center, 975 S. Mesquite; 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays (Zumba Gold classes).
• East Mesa Recreation Center, 5589 Porter; 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays (Zumba Gold classes).
• Meerscheidt Recreation Center, 1600 E. Hadley; 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
• Benavidez Community Center, 1045 McClure; 6 to 7 p.m. Monday and Wednesday.
• Regional Aquatic Center, 1401 E. Hadley; 2 to 3 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday (Aqua Zumba) and 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. Saturday.
Sun City Kickball registration — Registration has begun for the co-ed adult league’s Spring 2012 season. Games are Thursdays beginning April 19 at Modesto Gomez Park, 4600 Edna. Cost: $35 per player (age 21 and older). Registration forms available on line at elpasokickball.com.
Sun City Kickball is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing adults with the social sport of recreational kickball in order to bring the El Paso community together.
Runs, walks, triathlons
R.J. Toddler Trot — The Montwood High School Families Battling Cancer hosts its 2nd annual 5K run and 1 mile walk in honor of the R.J. Seeburg Family at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 29, at Montwood High School, 12000 Montwood. Trophies for overall male and female racer and largest team; medals for top three finishers in each category. Refreshments available at finish line. All pre-registered runners and walkers by Jan. 27 receive race t-shirt Cost: $20 individuals ($15 per person for teams of 10 or more). Race day registration: $25. Information: Mike Coulter, 274-5222 or 881-4590.Online registration at raceadventuresunlimited.com.
Registration forms should be turned in to Mrs. Gonzalez in A207, Mrs. Trujillo in C210 or Rose De La Rosa
in the Montwood High School Business Office.
Packet pick up is 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, at Montwood High, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at Up and Running East, 1475 George Dieter, Suite O, and 7 to 8 a.m. on race day at the starting line.
El Paso Michelob Ultra Marathon and 1/2 Marathon — The 6th annual multi-state marathon and half-marathon and Jarritos 5K run/walk is Sunday, Feb. 5. Information: 274-5222 or elpasomarathon.org.
Registration through Feb. 3 is $80 full marathon; $55 half-marathon and $40 5K.
Registration during the pre-Race Expo is $65 full marathon; $55 half-marathon and $40 5K.
Military discount of $5 per race.
The new marathon route for this Boston Marathon qualifier starts atop the Franklin Mountains down Transmountain Road, passes through Fort Bliss, to the beautiful Austin Terrace neighborhood and finishes in historic Downtown El Paso.
The new half marathon route begins and ends at the marathon finish line located in downtown El Paso’s Union Plaza District and will take runners to the Austin Terrace neighborhood and back.
The 5K event is through downtown past the Magoffin Home, San Jacinto Plaza and the Plaza Theater.
Cupid’s Chase 5K — The Las Cruces and El Paso 5K run and 1-mile fun walk benefiting Community Options is 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at Old Mesilla Plaza, 2114 Calle de Santiago in Mesilla. Registration: $35 ($50 day of race). Registration begins at 8 a.m. Information: (575) 532-9275 or hector.johnson@comop.org. Online registration at active.com.
Valentine’s Day Runs — The City of Las Cruces Parks & Recreation Department ‘s 5K race and fun run are Saturday, Feb. 11, beginning and ending at the Kohl’s parking lot, 2500 N. Triviz, in Las Cruces. Fun run begins at 8 a.m. with 5K immediately following. Awards given to top two male and female finishers in each division; all runners receive t-shirt.
Register at Meerscheidt Recreation Center, 1600 E. Hadley. Cost for 5K: $15 in advance; $20 day of run. Fun run cost: $10. Information: (575) 541-2563.
Race for the Cure — The 19th annual Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation’s 5K Race for the Cure is Sunday, Feb. 19, at Cohen Stadium, 9700 Gateway North. The fundraiser has become one of the region’s biggest races. Events include a 5K competitive run at 8 a.m., and a 5K and1-mile noncompetitive run/walk at 8:30 a.m. Grounds open at 6 a.m. Survivors’ Celebration/Awards are 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Parking is at Cohen Stadium, EPCC Transmountain Campus and Northpark Mall (shuttle service provided from EPCC and Northpark).
Entry fees: $35 for competitive 5K, $30 for noncompetitive 5K/1-mile, $10 for Kids for the Cure (ages 5-12); $35 for Sleep in for the Cure.
Registration/information: 533-4433 or komenelpaso.org. Online registration available through noon Feb. 9.
On-site registration is 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11-12, at Sunland Park Mall; and 2-8 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16-18, at Cielo Vista Mall.
Jack Rabbit Classic — The 12th annual trail and road runs are 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, at Franklin Mountain State Park, Tom Mays Unit, off Transmountain Road. Events include 7.5 mile and 3.5-mile trail runs and a 5K paved road run. Trophies to top 3 overall male and female in each event; all runners receive a technical t-shirt. Cost: $20 for 5K and $25 for trail runs by Feb. 23; $25 for 5K and $30 for trail runs Feb. 24-25. No race day registration. Spectator fee is $4 for park entrance. Information: Chris, 478-5663 or tpwd.state.tx.us. Online registration through 6 p.m. Feb. 23 at raceadventuresunlimited.com.
Packet pick up is 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 24-25 at Up and Running, 3233 N. Mesa. All runners must pick up packets and park entrance permit prior to race day.
50-Plus Walking Group — City of Las Cruces Parks & Recreation Department hosts free walks targeted for ages 50 years and older at 9 a.m. selected Tuesdays and Thursdays in December at various locations. Information: (575) 541-2550.
• Thursday, Jan. 26 — Mesilla Park Community Center, 304 W. Bell
• Tuesday, Feb. 7 — Desert Trails Community Park, 3492 Sonora Springs (off Roadrunner Parkway)
• Tuesday, Feb. 14 - Baylor Canyon (US-70 east to Baylor Canyon Road at trail head)
• Thursday, Feb. 16 — Sam Graft Park, 4230 Sedona Hills Parkway
• Tuesday, Feb. 21 — NMSU campus track
• Thursday, Feb. 23 — Tony Gomez Park, 2010 Espina Street (at Farney)
• Tuesday, Feb. 28 — Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park on Jornada Road (US-70 east to Mesa Grande).
Walk For Literacy — Dr. Nixon Elementary School’s PTA hosts its inaugural 5K race and 1 mile fun run/walk benefiting the school’s literacy development is 8 a.m. Sunday, March 4, at the school, 11141 Loma Roja. Trophies for top three male and female runners and for the largest team and military team. Metals to top three male and female in age groups 9 and younger. First 200 runners receive t-shirt. Cost: $20 after March 2 (team discount for 10 persons or more is $5 per person. Information: 274-5222 Online registration through Feb. 29 at raceadventuresunlimited.com.
Pre-race packet pick up is noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 3, at Up and Running, 1475 George Dieter. Race day registration and packet pickup is 7 to 7:45 a.m.
‘Mighty Mujer’ Triathlon — The all-female “super sprint” (300-yard swim/15k bike /2-mile run) benefiting Center Against Family Violence is 7:30 a.m. Saturday, April 28, starting at Memorial Park Pool, 3251 Copper. Teams of 2, 3 or 4 women can compete against others in three separate categories: Mother/daughter; family; girlfriends. Each team member must complete entire race; no relays. Fastest overall average time wins. Cost: $60 by March 1; $65 March 1-April 15; $70 April 16-25. Information: 433-3439.
Online registration opens Jan. 1 at raceelpaso.com.
Running clubs:
• Run El Paso maintains information on local races at runelpaso.com. Information: Luis Zaragosa, 543-2017.
• El Paso Triathlon Club is open to everyone interested in triathlons and similar events, including the Southwest Challenge Series. Information on training programs, get-togethers: elpasotriclub.org. Challenge series: southwestchallengeseries.com.
Hash clubs combine trail running with social (i.e. beer-drinking) activities. Runs are marked with chalk, and are open to runners of all levels. Clubs have modest dues, and first run is free to newcomers.
• The Border Jumper Hash House Harriers meet at various locations. Information: bjhash.com.
• The El Paso Hash House Harriers have one or more runs a week. Information: 252-5646. Meet-up spots listed at elpasohash.com.
Winter sports
Ski Cloudcroft — The southernmost ski area in the United States is two miles east of Cloudcroft on U.S. 82, has 26 trails with two ski lifts, plus a tubing lift, rental shop, “Mustard’s Last Stand” restaurant, vertical drop 700 feet, snowboarding, tubing with elevations of 8,350 to 9,050 feet. Open late fall through early spring, pending weather conditions. Information/snow conditions: (575) 682-2333 or skicloudcroft.net.
Lift tickets: $35 ($25 age 12 and younger for full day 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; $28 ($20 age 12 and younger) for half day 1 to 4 p.m. Ski, and snowboard rentals available, and beginner ski school packages offered.
Tubing available for $20 per day; $14 half day (weekends only).
James Sewell Ice Rink — The ice rink at 751 James Canyon (Hwy 82) in Cloudcroft, N.M. is frozen over mid-December through early March. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily during the holiday season. Available for private events as well. Skate rentals: $5. Information: (575) 682-4585 or (575) 682-1229.
Ski Apache — Ruidoso’s 750-acre ski and snowboarding area, now in its 50th season, has 11 lifts and 55 trails on the slopes of Sierra Blanca, with a base elevation of 9,600.
The ski area usually opens Thanksgiving weekend and remains open through March, depending on conditions. The 24-hour Ski Apache Snow Report number is (575) 257-9001. Information: (575) 464-3600 or skiapache.com.
Lifts are open from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m., depending on weather conditions. All-day lift tickets are $54 ($45 age 13-17; $34 12 and younger; free for ages 70 and older. (Prices slightly higher on peak days). Military discounts available. Season passes: $200-$600. Discounts available for multiple-day or half-day skiing.
Gondola ride tickets are $16 ($10 age 6-12; free age 5 and younger).
The full rental package starts at $20 a day; $12 for children 12 and under.
Ski Apache offers first-time skiers a free lift ticket with beginner lessons.
The ski shop is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on peak days)
Ski Apache is 130 miles from El Paso, and the drive takes about 3 hours. From Alamogordo, take U.S. 70/54 north to Tularosa, then follow U.S. 70 east to Ruidoso. Turn left on NM 48 and go six miles north. Take NM 532 to the ski area — it’s a slow, winding 12-mile climb.
Public Ice Skating — Skating offered 7 to 10 p.m. Fridays, noon to 3 p.m. and 7 to 10 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 3 p.m. Sundays at the Sierra Providence Event Center next to the Coliseum, 4100 Paisano. No public skating Friday, Feb. 17 and 24, and 7 to 10 Saturday, Feb. 18, due to Rhinos home games. All ages welcome. Admission (includes skate rental): $8 ($6 military). Spectator admission is free. Information: 479-PUCK (7825) or elpasohockey.org.
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